After walking around for ages looking for a place where I could go and eat solo (with my dog), I spotted this little gem. Not little actually as it's part of the gallery and cinema next door, There's a lovely energy inside all areas, even though I sat outside on the little table in front of the restaurant. The menu isn't too big and for what seems to be a bit of a mixed bag, it works and the food was lovely, I ordered the burger for the dog (yes I tried a bit and the fries were spot on too). For myself, I ordered the Thai mussels with rice noodles... what a treat. You're not going to complain about portion sizes or the service waiting time. The one thing I do want to really emphasise here is the lovely staff. I think it was the online duty manager, who couldn't have been more helpful and considerate. It's not always easy eating out alone, but he and his assistant, who was also lovely and watched my pup while I used the restroom, were just both so nice. After a full-on day, it was just the hospitality I needed. Nothing a problem, Delicious food, great staff, and reasonable prices. If you're unsure about where to go in St Leonards, just try it, its such a breeze.
Over the years, the dining area of the Kino has had a few different iterations, the most recent of which were Arigato (delicious, delicate Japanese food, now housed at Heist) and Parlour (fantastic brunch; excellent wine list, really got it right.) They’ve now taken their offer in house, with the aptly named Reel.
I’ve visited a few times, mostly for lunch, but today I popped in for breakfast.
The food today was fine, though perhaps lacking on the small details- my fried eggs were overdone on the underside, I was given margarine instead of butter (which is unforgivable to a butter fiend like me! If I was in a greasy spoon, fine, but Reel is aspiring to more of an avocado-on-toast vibe).
The service has always been really warm and friendly, and it was again today.
Again, it’s the little details here that need refining: it’s not the fault of the serving staff, but some little things like automatically giving a bottle of tap water to each table or having a dispenser on the bar, would really help. Quite a few of us asked for water, and it slows down service - these kind of little things could help it all go more smoothly.
I’ve had a delicious seafood chowder here, some pretty good tacos, and it always seems to have steady business (but it’s not as busy it it could be).
If Reel can sharpen up some of these details, and I’m sure it will be a destination restaurant to be reckoned with.
Great food and great choices especially for vegans. I particularly recommend the Paratha. Also the blonde lady who is front of house is so lovely, friendly and welcoming it feels like being invited into someone's home. She and the team set a lovely atmosphere in the beautiful Kino Theatr
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